The Government has revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services India Private Limited with immediate effect. In an order issued today, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security said that the decision was taken in the interest of national security. The security clearance for this company had been approved by the BCAS Director General in November 2022.

Celebi Aviation provides passenger handling, flight operations, cargo and postal services, as well as management of aerobridges and warehouse services at airports across nine cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur.

In compliance with a directive from BCAS, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has formally ended its association with Çelebi entities responsible for ground handling and cargo operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). To ensure continuity and operational stability, DIAL is actively coordinating with the existing Ground Handling service providers – AISATS and Bird Group.

In case of cargo operations, DIAL is working towards onboarding one of the pre-approved cargo handlers to ensure uninterrupted cargo operations. DIAL has also assured that all employees currently on the rolls of Çelebi entities for cargo and ground handling services at IGI Airport will be transitioned to the new employer with immediate effect. These employees will continue under their existing terms and conditions of employment.